Don't Fear the Rain, We Have the "Ducky of Death!"-Jan '14 **Bonus TR DCA 9/1 x2

[emilyindisney]

I voted for your picture and have got my fingers crossed for ya!

I've never seen Flights of Wonder but your pictures always make me think I should!

I'm glad was successful sans Wishes. Experience wise it's a big bummer that the weather wasn't cooperating but photography wise, some of your shots are kind of neat. Do you think Peter usually greets the boat when it returns, or did they do that special to beef up the tour after the failed firework viewing?

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"Are you questioning my Disney knowledge?” <----- LOVE THAT!!!

Dave, thank you so much for the info on this. While I've heard of it, I really had no clue what it entailed. I may do this just for the bandanna!! Also, how many people roughly are there on a boat?

Awww, Hook didn't come with?? Bummer.

I can't lie. While I do understand your sympathy for potential first time Wishes watchers... I have none. The way I look at it, something like a special viewing cruise should be saved for AFTER you've seen the show in the park as a new way to see it, an enhancement if you will. I look at it the same way I look at the behind the scenes tours like Keys to the Kingdom. Don't do them on a first trip. Anyway, that's my view. I do, however, feel sympathy for you though.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Dave! Your view from the hotel in DC was perfect. Loved the fireworks shot with the memorial in the frame. I'm looking forward to seeing a few photos of the cherry blossoms from your excursions this year.

Aw man! Sorry Wishes wasn't more spectacular - or even viewable for the most part. It did make for a few great photos with the eerie glow though. Patch declaring the fireworks so spectacular they made the castle disappear was perfect! I'm sure he helped make the experience the best it could be.

Ha ha ha! Never question your Disney knowledge! You had great intel for the Hook and Smee meet and greet. People may have looked at you odd for standing there all alone but the moment the characters showed up I'm picturing them dropping their snacks and running over!

Love the back story for the Ducky of Death. Great job convincing your son that was a worthy prize. Quarrrrrrrrrrghk

A late night burger sounds like a nice remedy for any disappointment! Are they open late? We are staying there in a few weeks and I may want a late night snack or two.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Those spontaneous moments with the characters is always great. Sorry about wishes but glad the cruise was worth the time.

Especially when those moments with the characters are completely unexpected, I agree that's when it is most magical!

Glad to hear that the CM's and characters made up for the weather not cooperating.

Even with the less than stellar weather you ended up with awesome photos! Love the one with the red sky, makes it looks so omnious!

Christine

I like those pictures too. It almost looks like a spell is being cast over the castle.

Ok coming out of lurkdom to post... I like the how you diffused the ducky of death situation! Also, so glad your entire family enjoyed the cruise even with how cruddy the weather turned out to be - however you managed some very unique and interesting photos of the castle! Now off to stalk your flickr account for better copies

That's what I was thinking about the pictures - which is why I did my best to capture them because I didn't think I would ever get another look like these again!

I voted for your picture and have got my fingers crossed for ya!

I've never seen Flights of Wonder but your pictures always make me think I should!

I'm glad was successful sans Wishes. Experience wise it's a big bummer that the weather wasn't cooperating but photography wise, some of your shots are kind of neat. Do you think Peter usually greets the boat when it returns, or did they do that special to beef up the tour after the failed firework viewing?

Thank you so much for voting for my pictures on the DIS Photo Contest!!

Peter Pan's meet and greet is a fixture at the end of these cruises from what I've read. I actually knew ahead of time that we would be meeting Peter but kept it a secret for the kids. They were so surprised to see him on the docks.

"Are you questioning my Disney knowledge?” <----- LOVE THAT!!!

Dave, thank you so much for the info on this. While I've heard of it, I really had no clue what it entailed. I may do this just for the bandanna!! Also, how many people roughly are there on a boat?

Awww, Hook didn't come with?? Bummer.

I can't lie. While I do understand your sympathy for potential first time Wishes watchers... I have none. The way I look at it, something like a special viewing cruise should be saved for AFTER you've seen the show in the park as a new way to see it, an enhancement if you will. I look at it the same way I look at the behind the scenes tours like Keys to the Kingdom. Don't do them on a first trip. Anyway, that's my view. I do, however, feel sympathy for you though.

Hmmmm, not sure exactly how many rows there were behind us in the boat. I'm going to guess somewhere around 8 rows? Each row can hold about 8 adults. That's my best guess.

I completely agree with you that first viewing of Wishes should be done in the park. There's really no substitute.

Hi Dave! Your view from the hotel in DC was perfect. Loved the fireworks shot with the memorial in the frame. I'm looking forward to seeing a few photos of the cherry blossoms from your excursions this year.

Aw man! Sorry Wishes wasn't more spectacular - or even viewable for the most part. It did make for a few great photos with the eerie glow though. Patch declaring the fireworks so spectacular they made the castle disappear was perfect! I'm sure he helped make the experience the best it could be.

Ha ha ha! Never question your Disney knowledge! You had great intel for the Hook and Smee meet and greet. People may have looked at you odd for standing there all alone but the moment the characters showed up I'm picturing them dropping their snacks and running over!

Love the back story for the Ducky of Death. Great job convincing your son that was a worthy prize. Quarrrrrrrrrrghk

A late night burger sounds like a nice remedy for any disappointment! Are they open late? We are staying there in a few weeks and I may want a late night snack or two.

Hi Brenda! The Mara was open until midnight! I did two late night snacks at The Mara. Once with the burger and the other with a flatbread pizza. So good. One night I also took advantage of a late night visit to AKL's lounge/bar Victoria Falls for a glass of wine. Just love that resort!

They just announced today that the Tidal Basin cherry trees have finally reached peak bloom. I'm heading out for sunrise tomorrow morning!

 

[JDUB]

Great update Dave!!! Always wanted to try the cruise but too busy running the parks. One of these days I'll slow down and start seeing the tours and cruises. Thanks for the Disney knowledge too
Wishes does look creepy with all the fog and different colors. Nice PP M&G interaction too.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad that the cruise was a success... kind of. It is definitely a disappointment that you didn't get to see the full effect of Wishes, but to be quite honest, the effects of the fog/smoke and the glow of the fireworks around the castle look kind of cool in your pictures. It may not be the Wishes you expected, but just consider it a different way of enjoying it.

The character interactions look like they were fantastic. I'm glad that your kids got into it and had fun with them. I can see why you think it was worthwhile even if you weren't thrilled with the view of the fireworks. And of course I know the sugar had to help.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Dave, that's bummer about not really being able to take in Wishes. It sounds like there was still a lot of fun (the part with Peter Pan sounds super fun) but is always sad when something you specifically look forward to doesn't work out and totally out of your control

On the plus side you did get some really cool pictures with the sky different colors thanks to the fog/misting!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great update Dave!!! Always wanted to try the cruise but too busy running the parks. One of these days I'll slow down and start seeing the tours and cruises. Thanks for the Disney knowledge too
Wishes does look creepy with all the fog and different colors. Nice PP M&G interaction too.

I think the cruise is a good option whenever you begin looking for a different experience with Wishes. This was the first time watching Wishes outside of MK for us.....or at least our first attempt after a few dessert parties and viewings inside MK.

I'm glad that the cruise was a success... kind of. It is definitely a disappointment that you didn't get to see the full effect of Wishes, but to be quite honest, the effects of the fog/smoke and the glow of the fireworks around the castle look kind of cool in your pictures. It may not be the Wishes you expected, but just consider it a different way of enjoying it.

The character interactions look like they were fantastic. I'm glad that your kids got into it and had fun with them. I can see why you think it was worthwhile even if you weren't thrilled with the view of the fireworks. And of course I know the sugar had to help.

The character interactions were really good. DD and DS was so excited to meet Hook and Smee!

Dave, that's bummer about not really being able to take in Wishes. It sounds like there was still a lot of fun (the part with Peter Pan sounds super fun) but is always sad when something you specifically look forward to doesn't work out and totally out of your control

On the plus side you did get some really cool pictures with the sky different colors thanks to the fog/misting!

Yep, I don't think I'll get another chance of getting that kind of view of the castle!

 

[teekathepony]

Well, it's too bad that Wishes was a bit of a bust, but I'm so glad that everything else made it a wonderful experience. I do love that castle pic with the red sky!
Peter is so cute, I love that he met the kids at the boat and ran off saying "follow me!" So so in character. And so great that your kids got such a great time with him!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

Your pictures of DC are just breathtaking! I am trying to convince my DH to do a weekend there. I haven't been in forever (except when I marched in the first inaugural parade for President Obama and I nearly froze to death that day).

Boo to no fireworks for the Pirate's Cruise. It never occurred to me that the whole castle could be shrouded in smoke making it impossible to see the fireworks. Considering how fantastic your pictures are that's a double disappointment, but at least your kids had a wonderful time. It sounds like the cruise was still a trip highlight for everyone.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Well, it's too bad that Wishes was a bit of a bust, but I'm so glad that everything else made it a wonderful experience. I do love that castle pic with the red sky!
Peter is so cute, I love that he met the kids at the boat and ran off saying "follow me!" So so in character. And so great that your kids got such a great time with him!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

That's one of the things I loved about our interactions with Peter - that it was perfectly in character for him to have the kids chase him and then teach the boys how to wield a sword.

Your pictures of DC are just breathtaking! I am trying to convince my DH to do a weekend there. I haven't been in forever (except when I marched in the first inaugural parade for President Obama and I nearly froze to death that day).

Boo to no fireworks for the Pirate's Cruise. It never occurred to me that the whole castle could be shrouded in smoke making it impossible to see the fireworks. Considering how fantastic your pictures are that's a double disappointment, but at least your kids had a wonderful time. It sounds like the cruise was still a trip highlight for everyone.

Thanks! I've already done a sunrise photo shoot on Friday - you may have seen the picture from it on my FB page. I'm heading out again in half an hour to hang around the Tidal Basin and Lincoln Memorial to catch the sunset this evening. I'll post some pictures on here as well once I get back. Bracing for level 10 crowds today.

Everyone did have a great time on the cruise! Even if the weather had been perfect I wasn't sure how my pictures of Wishes would turn out since I wouldn't be able to do the typical long exposure shots on a boat that is constantly in motion.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oh yes, post Wishes exodus crowds are definitely the worst!

The infamous ducky of death! Nice!

I would have been nervous with the delay too! Nothing worse than having a special thing booked and to have some part of it cancelled!

I'm so sorry that the fireworks were a dud! That's supremely disappointing. It is a good thing that no one put up a stink about it though. I would have been nervous about that too.

 

[PeanutButterMom]

I'm catching up from the last couple updates

I love Flights of Wonder! We had the same CM (but not Guano Jane ). PB took my camera for it though, so I have 47 pictures of the little girl in the row ahead of us because she "liked her Mickey ears". Ahem.

I'm sorry your cruise didn't work out as planned However, you got some really cool shots! Some seem more fitting for an October/Halloween trip though (that blood red sky? Creepy!) I got a *TINY* bit misty of the Peter Pan pics. That stuff gets me every time.

As usual, love your updates! I'm glad we finally got to meet the Ducky of Death!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Oh yes, post Wishes exodus crowds are definitely the worst!

The infamous ducky of death! Nice!

I would have been nervous with the delay too! Nothing worse than having a special thing booked and to have some part of it cancelled!

I'm so sorry that the fireworks were a dud! That's supremely disappointing. It is a good thing that no one put up a stink about it though. I would have been nervous about that too.

I really hope that the hub renovation will alleviate some of the Wishes exodus but I know it'll still be bad. We usually hang back in the park about 45 minutes after Wishes but even then the lines on the monorails/buses are pretty long.

The Ducky of Death pretty much never left the side of DS for the rest of the trip once he decided he liked it!

I'm catching up from the last couple updates

I love Flights of Wonder! We had the same CM (but not Guano Jane ). PB took my camera for it though, so I have 47 pictures of the little girl in the row ahead of us because she "liked her Mickey ears". Ahem.

I'm sorry your cruise didn't work out as planned However, you got some really cool shots! Some seem more fitting for an October/Halloween trip though (that blood red sky? Creepy!) I got a *TINY* bit misty of the Peter Pan pics. That stuff gets me every time.

As usual, love your updates! I'm glad we finally got to meet the Ducky of Death!

That's pretty cute - 47 pictures a girl with her Mickey Ears!

The red sky does look really surreal doesn't it? Sort of like a portal opened up in the sky!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Last Thursday the Cherry Blossoms finally hit peak bloom. That’s when the Park Services determines that at least 70 percent of the trees are at the full bloom stage. As I did last year I ventured out to the Tidal Basin for the sunrise on the following day. Woke up at 4:00am so I could catch the 5am Metro train into DC and arrived at the Tidal Basin around 5:50am. There were a LOT of people already there. Here are a few pictures from that outing as I circled around the basin. It was absolutely beautiful and totally made it worthwhile getting up so early in the morning. I have a few more pictures on my photography website that I just rolled out last week! It has a lot of my non-Disney pictures if you’re interested in taking a look. *** dhphotogallery.com ***

 

[teekathepony]

Oh wow, what a gorgeous sight! (Not least because it gives me hope for spring here on my ice-encased island! ) I've been looking at your website, so happy for you, it's awesome!

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[momabbate]

Your cruise looks like fun, even without a great view of Wishes. You did (as always) get some great pics of the castle.
Love your DC pics. I will have to mark your website and take a look.

 

[amazingact21]

Not going to lie, I was interested in seeing your Wishes pictures from the Pirates cruise, simply because I knew they'd be fantastic. I'm sorry to hear the fog and clouds weren't cooperating that night and most of the show was hidden. Guess you can't win them all.


The upside to it, though, is that it sounds like everyone still walked away from the experience happy. I'm sure that's one of the best Peter Pan interactions you'll have at Disney, and I'm sure your kids will remember it for years to come.

 

[Howgreat]

I've been reading your trip report without commenting (even though all of your pictures are gorgeous), but those cherry blossom picture--wow!!! So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

 

[jordansmama]

GORGEOUS pictures of the cherry blossoms! Well worth getting up early for! Going to check out your website now!!